Northern region

The northern region has a vital network of rivers, wetlands and floodplains that provide homes for ancient river red gums and a diversity of other plants and animals. Priority sites include the Goulburn, Broken, Loddon and Campaspe rivers as well as wetlands and floodplains on these systems and on the Victorian Murray system, including Barmah Forest, Gunbower Forest, Hattah Lakes and Lindsay, Wallpolla and Mulcra islands.

About the region

Local Aboriginal communities have an enduring connection to these sites, many of which have important heritage values (such as scar trees, middens, burial sites, artefacts and ovens). Waterways across the northern region provide highly valued amenity and recreational opportunities for residents and
visitors as well as business opportunities from tourism. Importantly, these waterways also support irrigated agriculture which contributes significantly to Australia's prosperity through food and fibre production.

Environmental water available for use in the northern Victorian systems is held in the Ovens, Murray, Goulburn, Broken, Loddon and Campaspe storages, which also hold water for consumptive water entitlements. The water systems of the northern region are highly connected. Infrastructure and water trading
allows water to move from one system to another. This allows environmental water to move between systems for delivery to priority environmental sites across northern Victoria, if needed. However, most environmental water in these systems is prioritised to provide benefits in the regions in which the
water is held.

Working together

We coordinate with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office in northern Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia to deliver environmental outcomes in the Murray–Darling Basin and maximise the benefits of environmental water deliveries in Victoria.

In some cases environmental water delivered through northern Victoria can be reused for environmental benefits downstream. If return flows are not reused in Victoria, the VEWH, Living Murray and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder return flows can flow to the Coorong, Lower Lakes and
Murray Mouth in South Australia.

We can also authorise waterway managers to order Living Murray and Commonwealth water for downstream sites, provided there are no adverse impacts on Victorian waterways.

View the current seasonal watering plan for the rivers and wetlands that make up the Northern region:

Seasonal Outlook 2017/18

Each year on 15 May, the Northern Victoria Resource Manager releases a water availability outlook for northern Victoria for the coming year. These seasonal outlooks are updated monthly once the season begins and are available at www.nvrm.net.au.

The 2017–18 outlook at 15 May 2017 is that early-season water availability will be higher than in recent years. Opening high-reliability entitlement allocation is expected to be at least 30 percent in the Goulburn and Loddon systems, 50 percent in the Murray system and 100 percent in the Campaspe
system, with all expected to reach 100 percent by the end of 2017–18 in all but an extreme dry inflow scenario. Under a wet climate scenario, all systems should reach their 100 percent allocations early in the year. Under an extreme dry scenario (for example, assuming inflows are similar to the
lowest one percent of inflows on record), the Goulburn system is expected to reach 45 percent allocation and the Murray system is expected to reach around 70 percent allocation against high-reliability entitlements for the year. Allocation against low-reliability entitlements is also possible in 2017–18.

Environmental water demands in northern Victoria are usually high in winter and spring. As the outlook indicates, there is likely to be good water availability early in the season. High allocations combined with carryover from 2016–17 means that water is likely to be available for early-season demands. Because the storages were relatively full leading into winter, there is an increased chance of storage spills during 2017–18. Storage spills in winter/spring may meet or exceed many of the environmental water flow targets in downstream waterways. This can reduce the amount of environmental water that needs to be delivered, allowing additional watering actions to be undertaken during the year. However, storage spills may also result in some or all unused water carried over from the previous year being deducted from the environmental water account

The VEWH coordinates its activities with other environmental water holders in northern Victoria, NSW and SA to achieve environmental outcomes at the Murray–Darling Basin scale. One example of coordination is the management of River Murray increased flows (RMIF), these flows being part of VEWH's entitlements in the Murray system. RMIF are co-owned by Victoria and NSW and can be used to achieve environmental outcomes in the Murray system in Victoria, NSW and SA. Recommendations for coordinated use of RMIF are made by the Southern Connected Basin Environmental Watering Committee.

The VEWH liaises with the MDBA and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office to optimise the benefits of environmental water delivery in Victorian systems. Delivery of Living Murray and Commonwealth environmental water to meet Victorian environmental water objectives is covered for relevant systems in the following parts of this section.

Environmental water delivered through northern Victorian waterways can sometimes be reused to achieve further environmental benefits downstream (see section 1.4.2 about return flows). If return flows are not reused at Victorian environmental sites, the VEWH, Living Murray and CEWH eturn flows may continue to flow across the border to SA where they will be used to provide environmental benefits in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth area.

The VEWH may also authorise waterway managers to order Living Murray and Commonwealth water for downstream sites, provided there are no adverse impacts on Victorian waterways.

The Murray–Darling Basin Plan

Northern Victoria is part of the Murray–Darling Basin and environmental water deliveries in the Northern Region are subject to the requirements of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan. The MDBA developed the plan under the Commonwealth Water Act 2007 and it became law in November 2012. The plan sets legal limits on the amount of water that can be taken from the Murray–Darling Basin's surface and groundwater resources. Chapter 8 of the plan also sets out a high-level environmental watering plan which defines environmental objectives to protect, restore and build the resilience of water-dependent ecosystems and their associated functions. The VEWH's environmental planning and delivery is consistent with the requirements of the plan. The potential environmental watering outlined in sections 4 and 5 of this Seasonal Watering Plan fulfil Victoria's obligations to identify annual environmental watering priorities for Victoria's water resource areas under section 8.26 of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.

More Information

^ Use of holdings in wetlands is based on river height in the Barwon River, not volumetric entitlement
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to entitlement rules. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

Water delivered

Watering 2015-16

Water delivered

Watering 2016-17

Water delivered

Reedy Lake

Last water release

Sep-17

Released to date 2017-18

Water delivered

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement^

Watering objectives

Provide habitat including mud flats and shallow water for wading birds, and feeding opportunities and refuge for waterbirds and shorebirds

Promote habitat for fish breeding and growth and improved conditions for migration and dispersal when wetlands are connected to the Barwon River

More Information

^ Use of holdings in wetlands is based on river height in the Barwon River, not volumetric entitlement
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to entitlement rules. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

Water delivered

Watering 2015-16

Water delivered

Watering 2016-17

Water delivered

Moorabool River

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

1467.00
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement

Watering objectives

Maintain remnant plants

Protect and boost native fish

Reshape river bed to provide habitat pools, places to shelter for fish and other animals

Improve water quality, particularly in summer

Maintain a range of waterbugs

More Information

Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

1,685.0ML

Watering 2015-16

240.0ML

Watering 2016-17

1,965.0ML

Lower Mount William Creek

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

1385.61
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 18,000 ML^

Watering objectives

Restore, protect and boost populations of native fish

Maintain water quality for fish and other water-dependent plants and animals

Improve condition, abundance and diversity of plants

Support waterbugs

More Information

^Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks.
Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

1,003.5ML

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

155.4ML

MacKenzie River/Burnt Creek/Bungalally Creek

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

1,550.2
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 18,000 ML^

Watering objectives

Restore, protect and boost diverse populations of native fish

Maintain water quality for fish and other water-dependent plants and animals

Provide flows for platypus

Improve condition, abundance and diversity of plants

Support waterbugs

More Information

^Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks.
Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

4,872.9ML

Watering 2015-16

1,009.7ML

Watering 2016-17

3,429.5ML

Upper Mount William Creek

Last water release

Mar-16

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 18,000 ML^

Watering objectives

Restore, protect and boost diverse populations of native fish

Maintain water quality to provide suitable conditions for fish and other water-dependent plants and animals

More Information

^Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks.
Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

146.1ML

Watering 2015-16

100.0ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Wimmera River from Taylors Lake

Last water release

Aug-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 18,000 ML^

Watering objectives

Restore, protect and boost diverse populations of native fish

Maintain water quality for fish and other water-dependent plants and animals

Provide flows for platypus

Improve condition, abundance and diversity of plants

Support waterbugs

More Information

^Volume authorised is shared between Wimmera and MacKenzie rivers and Burnt, Bungalally and Mount William creeks.
Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

12,136.8ML

Watering 2015-16

3,890.3ML

Watering 2016-17

7,115.8ML

Barbers Swamp

Last water release

Jul-17

Released to date 2017-18

5.0
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 15 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

Provide feeding and breeding habitat for waterbirds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

3.5ML

Watering 2015-16

17.3ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Broom Tank

Last water release

Aug-17

Released to date 2017-18

8.1
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 10 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

Improve diversity and quality of wetland plants

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

1.5ML

Watering 2016-17

1.1ML

Bull Swamp

Last water release

Aug-17

Released to date 2017-18

8.8
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 6 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

Provide feeding and breeding habitat for waterbirds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

3.4ML

Watering 2016-17

1.3ML

Carapugna

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

11.50
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 22 ML

Watering objectives

Retain water in wetland for animals (especially frogs and birds)

Sustain and where possible increase wetland plants, especially threatened species

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

8.6ML

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

4.8ML

Challambra Swamp

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

3.89
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 50 ML

Watering objectives

Retain water in wetland for animals (especially frogs and birds)

Sustain and where possible increase wetland plants, especially threatened species

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

3.2ML

Watering 2016-17

2.1ML

Chiprick

Last water release

Sep-17

Released to date 2017-18

9.2
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 10 ML

Watering objectives

Provide watering points for terrestrial and aerial animals

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

4.0ML

Watering 2016-17

3.0ML

Chirrup Swamp

Last water release

Oct-17

Released to date 2017-18

1.89
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 8 ML

Watering objectives

Provide drought refuge and a watering point for animals (particularly frogs and turtles) to facilitate recolonisation of Chirrup Swamp when it is naturally inundated

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

2.4ML

Watering 2015-16

2.1ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Clinton Shire Dam

Last water release

Aug-17

Released to date 2017-18

2.2
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 7 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

Provide watering points for animals and birds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

2.9ML

Watering 2016-17

3.1ML

Cokum Bushland Reserve

Last water release

Oct-17

Released to date 2017-18

5.09
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 5 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

Provide feeding and breeding habitat for waterbirds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

8.1ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Considines

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

3.51
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 10 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

Provide watering points for animals and birds

Improve the diversity and quality of wetland plants

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.4

Watering 2015-16

4.8ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Corack Lake

Last water release

Oct-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.51

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 8 ML

Watering objectives

Provide conditions that support an abundance of aquatic plants

Provide refuge and nursery habitat for turtles and frogs

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

3.1ML

Watering 2015-16

2.7ML

Watering 2016-17

3.0ML

Coundons Wetland

Last water release

Jul-17

Released to date 2017-18

2.0
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 2 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

Maintain habitat for turtles and frogs

Provide watering points for animals and birds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Creswick Swamp

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.69

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 20 ML

Watering objectives

Support a diversity of aquatic plants including re-established marbled marshwort

Provide refuge, feeding and breeding opportunities for frog and turtles

Provide variety of feeding conditions for waterbirds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

3.3ML

Watering 2015-16

2.7ML

Watering 2016-17

1.7ML

Cronomby Tanks

Last water release

Jul-17

Released to date 2017-18

2.1
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 10 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

Maintain habitat for turtles and frogs

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

13.0ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Crow Swamp

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

9.53
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 11 ML

Watering objectives

Retain water in wetland for animals (especially frogs and birds)

Increase wetland plants, especially threatened species

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

9.3ML

Watering 2015-16

4.9ML

Watering 2016-17

3.1ML

D Smith Dam

Last water release

Oct-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.48

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 2 ML

Watering objectives

Provide watering points for terrestrial and aerial animals

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.9

Watering 2016-17

1.5ML

Davis Dam

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.75

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 8 ML

Watering objectives

Support black box and cane grass plants

Provide drought refuge and a watering point for animals

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.6

Watering 2015-16

1.0ML

Watering 2016-17

0.5

Falla Dam

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

2.07
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 5 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain as a drought refuge for turtles and frogs

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

2.3ML

Watering 2015-16

2.7ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Fieldings Dam

Last water release

Mar-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 2 ML

Watering objectives

Retain water in wetland for animals (especially frogs and birds)

Sustain and where possible increase wetland plants, especially threatened species

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

1.6ML

Watering 2015-16

1.3ML

Watering 2016-17

1.1ML

Goulds Reserve

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

13.70
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 5 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

16.2ML

Greens Wetland

Last water release

Oct-17

Released to date 2017-18

1.25
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 5 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

3.7ML

Watering 2016-17

1.3ML

Harcoans Swamp

Last water release

Jun-15

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 5 ML

Watering objectives

Retain water in wetland for animals (especially frogs and birds)

Increase wetland plants, especially threatened species

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.7

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Homelea

Last water release

Oct-16

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Provide watering points for animals and birds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

1.5ML

J Ferrier Wetland

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

7.2
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 10 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain fringing lignum and black box

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

3.0ML

Watering 2016-17

3.0ML

Jeffcott Wildlife Reserve

Last water release

Oct-17

Released to date 2017-18

2.06
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 10 ML

Watering objectives

Maintain the diversity of aquatic plants

Provide refuge and breeding conditions for water-dependent species (such as frogs, waterbugs, turtles and waterbirds)

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering objectives

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

500.0ML

Watering 2015-16

500.0ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Benwell Forest

Last water release

Not watered to date

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Promote aquatic, semi-aquatic plants and river red gums in wetlands

Provide feeding and breeding habitat for waterbirds

More Information

Guttrum and Benwell forests may receive environmental water in 2017-18 pending further investigation by North Central CMA. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Guttrum Forest

Last water release

Not watered to date

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Promote aquatic, semi-aquatic plants and river red gums in wetlands

Provide feeding and breeding habitat for waterbirds

More Information

Guttrum and Benwell forests may receive environmental water in 2017-18 pending further investigation by North Central CMA. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

More Information

Reported water use includes any water delivered to Boals Deadwood. Environmental water delivered from NSW holdings is not included in the total volumes. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

More Information

Includes Commonwealth environmental water. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

34,306.4ML

Watering 2015-16

30,319.5ML

Watering 2016-17

36,364.0ML

Upper Broken Creek

Last water release

Dec-14

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Move built-up sand and clay to restore deep pools and provide habitat

Improve plants on riverbank and in river channel

Maintain water quality

Maintain and restore waterbug habitat

More Information

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

387.2ML

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Campaspe River

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

27,086.5
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement

Watering objectives

Water river red gums and encourage new plants, increase cover of in-stream and riverside plants

Provide habitat to boost native fish

Support platypus with places to rest, breed, breed, feed and move to River Murray

Connect length of Campaspe River and into River Murray

Control salinity and maintain healthy water oxygen levels

Support waterbugs

More Information

The volume authorised for 2017-18 includes TLM and Commonwealth environmental water. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

30,729.3ML

Watering 2015-16

13,658.1ML

Watering 2016-17

5,550.8ML

Goulburn River

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

268,813.9
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 400,000 ML

Watering objectives

Increase aquatic and flood-tolerant plants within river channel and lower banks, stabilise river bank

Support native fish (including golden perch) by providing habitat and encouraging them to migrate and breed

Maintain river bank and channel and diversity of riverbed surfaces

Provide habitat and food for waterbugs, break down organic matter

Maintain water quality

More Information

Volume authorised is subject to availability of high reliability allocation in the system. Includes use of TLM and Commonwealth environmental water. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

610.4ML

Watering 2015-16

300.0ML

Watering 2016-17

304.0ML

Ovens River

Last water release

Mar-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

Not required

Watering objectives

Provide flows for native fish to move between pools and over rocky or shallow parts of river

Maintain a range of different river bed surfaces, scour silt build-up and clean cobbles to maintain habitat for native plants and animals

Maintain water quality

Provide habitat and food for waterbugs, break down organic matter

More Information

Environmental water released from accounts by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, no VEWH authorisation necessary. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

70.0ML

Watering 2015-16

70.0ML

Watering 2016-17

70.0ML

River Murray system includes Rufus and lower Darling rivers

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.0

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 350,000 ML

Watering objectives

Support native fish habitat and recruitment outcomes

Improve health and recruitment of vegetation in the Coorong

More Information

The volume authorised for 2017-18 includes Commonwealth environmental water for River Murray. Environmental water delivered from NSW holdings is not included in the total volumes.
Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

23,500.0ML

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

160,623.0ML

Tarago River

Last water release

May-17

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement

Watering objectives

Encourage diverse riverside plants

Protect, boost native fish
including threatened species (Australian grayling, river blackfish) by providing habitat, encouraging fish to migrate and breed

Provide waterbug habitat
which break down organic
matter and support river's food chain

Improve platypus habitat

More Information

Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

1,842.0ML

Watering 2015-16

2,117.0ML

Watering 2016-17

1,952.0ML

Pyrites Creek

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

1263.60
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement

Watering objectives

Maintain habitat for frogs, waterbugs and platypus

Promote native vegetatgion recruitment and growth

Move silt build-up from shallow parts of river to improve waterbug habitat

More Information

Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

326.2ML

Watering 2016-17

954.3ML

Werribee River

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

1067.10
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement

Watering objectives

Maintain diversity and growth of riparian, in-stream and saltmarsh plants

Boost native fish (including black bream) by providing pools and flows for fish to move up and downstream, support breeding and recruitment

Maintain habitat for waterbugs

Maintain water quality for fish,
platypus and inundate estuary salt marsh with brackish water

Maintain habitat for platypus

More Information

Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to allocation. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

713.5ML

Watering 2015-16

324.3ML

Watering 2016-17

1,121.5ML

Yarra River

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

14,080.0
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 25,000 ML

Watering objectives

Rebuild and maintain plants on river bank and in channel

Boost native fish including threatened species (such as Australian grayling and Macquarie perch)

Maintain form of river bank and bed, scour silt build-up and clean cobbles in water so fish, platypus and other animals have healthy habitat pools and places to shelter

Restore waterbugs

Boost water quality in river pools, ensuring oxygen in water

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

29,251.0ML

Watering 2015-16

8,817.0ML

Watering 2016-17

21,478.0ML

Yering Backswamp

Last water release

Oct-17

Released to date 2017-18

19.00
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 150 ML

Watering objectives

Support native wetland plants

Provide habitat for wetland dependent animals

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

6.0ML

Banyule Billabong

Last water release

Dec-16

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Support native wetland plants

Provide habitat for wetland dependent animals

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

60.0ML

Bolin Bolin Billabong

Last water release

Oct-17

Released to date 2017-18

Water delivered

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 300 ML

Watering objectives

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

More Information

^ Use of the Holdings in the lower Latrobe wetlands is based on the river height of the Latrobe River at the Swing Bridge, rather than a volumetric entitlement
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to entitlement rules. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

Water delivered

Heart Morass

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

Water delivered

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement^

Watering objectives

Promote dispersal and germination of wetland plants

Provide habitat and feeding opportunities for birds

More Information

^ Use of the Holdings in the lower Latrobe wetlands is based on the river height of the Latrobe River at the Swing Bridge, rather than a volumetric entitlement
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to entitlement rules. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

Water delivered

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Latrobe River

Last water release

Nov-17

Released to date 2017-18

3941.40
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement

Watering objectives

Flows assist formation of a stable river channel and promotes vegetation growth on banks, reducing sediment load and nutrients flowing into Gippsland Lakes

More Information

Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to entitlement rules. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

3,984.0ML

Watering 2015-16

3,750.2ML

Watering 2016-17

3,712.7ML

Sale Common

Last water release

Sep-17

Released to date 2017-18

Water delivered

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement^

Watering objectives

Promote dispersal and germination of wetland
plants

Provide habitat and feeding opportunities for birds

Control carp during a drawdown phase

More Information

^ Use of the Holdings in the lower Latrobe wetlands is based on the river height of the Latrobe River at the Swing Bridge, rather than a volumetric entitlement
Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlement, subject to entitlement rules. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

Water delivered

Birchs Creek

Last water release

Apr-15

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement

Watering objectives

Maintain water quality for native fish, particularly in summer and autumn

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

100.0ML

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Lake Boort

Last water release

2010-11

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Germination and growth of river red gums and aquatic plants

Provide habitat and feeding opportunities for birds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Lake Leaghur

Last water release

2009-10

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Drying will help maintain diversity of habitats for range of wetland-dependent birds and animals and promote growth of plants in and around wetland

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Lake Meran

Last water release

May-16

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Maintain condition river red gums and aquatic plants if filled to 81.0 m

Provide habitat and feeding and breedingopportunities for birds if filled to 81.0 m

Maintain a permanent minimum level to preserve Murray River turtles

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

2,000.0ML

Watering 2015-16

2,000.0ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Lake Yando

Last water release

Jan-15

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Drying will help maintain diversity of habitats for range of wetland-dependent birds and animals and promote growth of plants in and around wetland

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

558.3ML

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Little Lake Meran

Last water release

Not watered to date

Released to date 2017-18

0.00

Water authorised 2017-18

No authorisation

Watering objectives

Drying will help maintain diversity of habitats for range of wetland-dependent birds and animals and promote growth of plants in and around wetland

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

0.0

Watering 2015-16

0.0

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Loddon River/Serpentine Creek/Tullaroop Creek

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

12,879.5
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Full entitlement

Watering objectives

Maintain water quality with low flows through the system, particularly in summer and autumn

Protect and boost native fish by providing flows for them to move up and downstream and encourage breeding

Create opportunities for young platypus to disperse to new, high-quality habitat

More Information

Volume authorised includes all water available under the entitlements, subject to allocation. Includes Commonwealth environmental water held in the Loddon system. ** When passing flows are used, the 'released to date' figure won't appear. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Released to date 2017-18

Water authorised 2017-18

Watering objectives

More Information

Mallee CMA is authorised to use water made available by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder in Lindsay River, Mullaroo Creek, Potterwalkagee Creek, Snake Lagoon and Mulcra Horseshoe. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Released to date 2017-18

Water authorised 2017-18

Watering objectives

More Information

Mallee CMA is authorised to use water made available by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder in Lindsay River, Mullaroo Creek and Potterwalkagee Creek. Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

6,277.0ML

Watering 2015-16

NSW entitlements

Watering 2016-17

Water delivered

Neds Corner East and Central

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

80.00
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 250 ML

Watering objectives

Provide breeding and roosting habitat for colonial waterbirds

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Watering 2014-15

212.4ML

Watering 2015-16

249.9ML

Watering 2016-17

0.0

Nyah Floodplain

Last water release

Dec-17

Released to date 2017-18

1670.00
ML

Water authorised 2017-18

Up to 2,000 ML

Watering objectives

Improve wetland plants

More Information

Watering data is updated monthly based on available operational data and is subject to change.

* Subject to environment and climatic conditions and operational constraints

Environmental water releases into the Ovens system in north east Victoria created connected pools and riffles (shallow sections of a river with rapid currents) and variable, more natural flows to provide food and habitat for waterbugs and other aquatic plants and animals.